Bowling on the Mother Road

Tulsa's iconic Rose Bowl bowling alley has been closed for almost three years now. The parabolas of concrete have been the victim of arson, vandals and a non-compete clause that won't allow anyone to open a bowling alley on the site. But the current owner, Sam Baker, claims the structure is sound. Rumors of a Route 66 museum have been tossed around for some time.

Tulsa's futuristic Rose Bowl is a landmark on Route 66.

So far the only progress has been a much-needed coat of paint.

When it was announced the Googie-esque lanes were to close I rushed over with camera in hand. These pictures are from March 2005 and give you some idea just how hideous the paint scheme looked at that time. I'm happy to report it's pink again.

The interior looking across the lanes and the futuristic sound baffles.

The Rose Bowl opened in 1962 and was designed by modernist architect Bill Ryan. He also designed the oft-maligned East Central High School and the Lutheran church that overlooks the Broken Arrow Expressway like a huge concrete chicken.

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Home of ORU Architect on the Auction Block

Frank Wallace is best known as the man behind the futuristic look of the Oral Roberts University campus. On October 14, 2010 his unique home overlooking ORU will be sold in a public auction conducted by Mister Ed's Auctions. Jackie and I recently had a chance to visit with Mr. Wallace and learn more about the house, his career and his thoughts on architecture.

When we visited we expected to snap a few photos of an empty house and speak with a representative from the auction company. To our surprise the door opened, and we were greeted by Mr. Wallace himself! After assuring him we were not architects, he let us look around. Unfortunately we were not prepared to interview the man whose buildings incite such extremely diverse reactions- but that didn't stop me from asking him several questions anyway.

The home, completed in 1980, was designed and built by Wallace who is now 87. The expansive home is so large that Wallace spends most of his time in a room that was his late w…

Futuristic Acorn Hull House

Today the sign out front says "Acorn Hull House."

I've also heard it called the Zebco House (aka Zero Electric Bomb Company, an oilfield business that later became a famous maker of fishing reels). The rumor goes it was built for a Zebco executive and designed in the shape of a fishing reel. From above the home does have the shape of a fishing reel- as in round- but beyond that I don't really see that much resemblance.

I have no idea if the fishing reel story is true, or who designed the circular abode. Here's an aerial view from Google Maps- click to enlarge the image and see if you think it looks more like an acorn or a fishing reel...

It definitely has the look of a Frank Wallace design with that Klingon inspired skylight. But the Tiki-esque look also suggests a Blaine Imel. No matter who is to responsible, they did a great job creating a unique and fascinating exterior. Now if we can just get a tour of the inside!

This unusual house is located off US-412 near …

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